Navigator | Issue 52 | February 2025 | | |
In this issue of Merrick's Navigator ... |
- Beloved Executive Director Announces Retirement
- New Memory Care Program
- Alternative Services Reopens
- The Legacy of Zubaz Santa
- and more!
Our mission is to empower adults with disabilities through vocational and social opportunities, and to guide them toward realizing their goals and dreams.
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As many of you already know, John Wayne Barker (JWB) will be retiring as Executive Director on July 1, 2025. While JWB has been transparent about his planned retirement date for several years, the reality of this date still feels too soon for the Merrick community. Hired on June 1, 1998, JWB will retire after 27 years of dedicated service and will undoubtedly be missed by clients, employees, community partners, and family members, some of whom have known him since his early days with the nonprofit. | | |
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As the service provider of choice for more than 400 adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), Merrick is committed to continually exploring new ways to best serve those in our programs throughout all stages of adulthood. In response to the increasing needs of clients experiencing memory issues, Merrick signed a lease in August 2024 to expand our Life Enrichment Program site by an additional 2,800 square feet with plans to transform the space into a Memory Care Program. | | |
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When Merrick’s Willow Lake Boulevard site opened in November 2022, clients receiving life enrichment services were relocated to the new building, leaving the Alternative Services (AS) area at 3210 Labore Road vacant. Without an immediate plan for the vacant space, it was primarily used for recreational purposes over the next two years as a new purpose for AS was explored. | | |
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On Friday, December 20, Zubaz Santa (i.e., JWB) visited Merrick along with two of his reindeer and elves. Throughout the morning, clients came out in small groups to take pictures with Zubaz Santa in his sleigh and enjoy holiday treats, creating a festive experience for all involved. | | |
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A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to Merrick’s 2024 Client Holiday Parties. Thanks to your generosity, we raised an incredible $26,375, surpassing our $25,000 fundraising goal! This is a record for the highest amount raised for the parties in any given year. With three separate holiday parties, each featuring a catered meal, DJ, and photo booths, every contribution is crucial in helping us continue this cherished tradition. | | |
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Merrick’s “most fun” fundraiser, the Bowl-A-Thon, is back at Flaherty’s Arden Bowl on Sunday, April 27, 2025! This client-focused, family-friendly event welcomes participants of all ages and bowling abilities. In addition to two hours of bowling, attendees will enjoy fresh donuts in the morning and a delicious pizza lunch.
Early registration is now open. To register bowlers, visit www.merrickinc.org/bowl. For individuals planning to finance their participation by crowdfunding, pledge envelopes will be available starting in March.
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Grab your golf clubs and start practicing your swing because Merrick’s 30th Annual Charity Golf Scramble will be on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the beautiful Troy Burne Golf Club! Located in Hudson, Troy Burne is considered a champion-caliber course, testing players of all levels, while rewarding good shot-making. | | |
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Later this month, Merrick’s Ambassadors for Respect (A4R) team will launch a new season of anti-bullying presentations. Designed to provide fourth graders with tools to recognize and prevent bullying, A4R also offers individuals with disabilities the unique opportunity to share their personal stories with the next generation and develop valuable employment skills. | | |
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With a spring in his step and a smile on his face, Nick emerged from Kowalski’s backroom while tying his apron. He has worked at the Kowalski’s on Grand Avenue for 16 years. Prior to his current position, he worked at a variety of places; however, there was just something special about the Kowalski’s on Grand Avenue. | |
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"Have you ever had good intentions to give to a non profit but simply forgot? I have and that is why I love the monthly giving program at Merrick. It’s easy and I can adjust my level of giving whenever I wish. I am so grateful to Merrick for the amazing services they provide my daughter and others. I am honored to serve on Merrick’s board and know your contributions will make an impact. Don’t wait, sign up today!" - Diane Kozlak, Merrick Trustee
Did you know that Merrick has a monthly giving program? Merrick’s monthly giving program, Champions’ Club, offers supporters an easy, convenient, flexible, and impactful way to make a difference at Merrick.
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Easy - It only takes a few minutes to sign up online using a credit card. If you prefer your monthly gift to be charged to your checking account, please call (651) 789-6207.
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Convenient - Once you sign up, your gift will be automatically charged to your account each month on the same date as your initial pledge, unless otherwise specified. This way, you’ll never have to worry about missing a payment or forgetting to donate.
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Flexible - You can adjust, pause, or cancel your monthly gift at any time. We understand that your personal circumstances may change, impacting on your ability to contribute monthly.
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Impactful - In just one year, your monthly gift, no matter the size, will have a meaningful impact. For example, a monthly donation of $15 adds up to $180 annually. Considering that the average daily government reimbursement is $75 per client, while the actual cost of services is $80, your $180 helps close the gap for 36 days of client services.
By becoming a monthly donor and joining Merrick's Champions' Club, you will be supporting Merrick’s mission and championing the rights of individuals with disabilities to live their best lives. Together, we can ensure that clients have ongoing access to the support services they need to reach their full potential as valued members of their community, allowing others to recognize them for the true champions they are.
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